Device with disposable element

ABSTRACT

The construction of a medical device having a disposable element is disclosed. Detachable elements comprising a body having a retention feature, an electrical contactor, and sensors are also disclosed. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having a hole and a retention pocket, an electrical contactor, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCB) in contact with the innermost surface of the body that forms the retention pocket. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having an opening and a printed film comprising conductive elements, where the conductive elements comprise a sensor configured to be aligned with the opening to expose the sensor. Further disclosed are reusable components having matching retention features.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/744,513, filed Oct. 11, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/804,095, filed Feb. 11, 2019, the contents of each of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties and for allpurposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for a device fordetecting tissue damage through measurement of Sub-Epidermal Moisture(SEM). The present disclosure further provides apparatus and methods fora device for detecting tissue damage through measurement of SEM, wherethe device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) assembled into amolded frame.

BACKGROUND

A printed circuit board (PCB) is employed in medical devices as a flatbase that physically supports and electronically connects electroniccomponents and conductors. PCBs may be single-sided, double-sided, andmultilayered. PCBs are currently retained in device frames by eitheradhesive or provision of a lip in the frame that captures the edge ofthe PCB.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, adetachable element for use with a reusable component having a retentiongroove and an alignment guide and a planar contact surface parallel tothe retention groove, the detachable element comprising: a bodycomprising a retention feature configured to engage the retentiongroove, and an electrical contactor coupled to the body, where thecontactor comprises a cantilever element that is configured to touch theplanar contact surface when the retention feature is engaged with theretention groove, where the cantilever element is configured to slidealong the contact surface as the detachable element is brought togetherwith the reusable component.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, aconnector comprising: a reusable component comprising a retention grooveand an electrical contact surface that is parallel to the retentiongroove; and a detachable element comprising a body with a retentionfeature configured to engage the retention groove and an electricalcontactor coupled to the body, where the contactor comprises a compliantelement that is configured to touch the contact surface of the reusableelement when the retention feature of the detachable element is engagedwith the retention groove of the reusable component and to slide alongthe contact surface as the detachable element is brought together withthe reusable component.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, adetachable element comprising: a body comprising a hole and a retentionpocket, where the retention pocket comprises a reference surface; and aprinted circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a printed circuit board(PCB) having an outer edge and a contactor coupled to the PCB, where aportion of the contactor extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB, wherethe portion of the contactor that extends beyond the outer edge of thePCB is in contact with the reference surface. In an aspect, an externalsurface of a PCB is flush with a surface of a frame without a protrudinglip or the use of adhesive.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, adetachable element comprising: a body comprising upper and lowersections joined by a flexible arm, where the upper section comprises anopening and the lower section is attached on its underside to acompressible spring; and a printed film having tabbed and non-tabbedareas, where the tabbed area comprises a sensor comprising twoelectrodes on one first face, and where the tabbed area is insertedbetween the upper and lower sections so that the sensor is aligned withthe opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference nowto the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown areby way of example and are for purposes of illustrative discussion ofaspects of the disclosure. In this regard, the description and thedrawings, considered alone and together, make apparent to those skilledin the art how aspects of the disclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 1A depicts a medical scanner, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts a connector comprising a reusable component, which ispart of the medical scanner of FIG. 1A in the region “A,” and adetachable element, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the detachable elementof FIG. 1B, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top surface of the reusablecomponent, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the reusable component, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the detachable element mated with the reusablecomponent, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the side view of FIG. 5, in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is another perspective view of the underside of the detachableelement of FIG. 1B, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a partially exploded view of the detachable element of FIG.7A, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-section of the region marked “B” in FIG. 7A,in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a second cross-section showing the configuration of the region“B” after a heat staking operation has been completed, in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an assembly comprising a frame, a PCB,and a retainer.

FIG. 11A is a cross-section of a body, a PCB, and a retainer.

FIG. 11B depicts the items of FIG. 11A after assembly.

FIG. 12 depicts dimensions of an example sensor in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13A depicts an exploded view of an assembly comprising a flexibleframe with one end of a printed film inserted between upper and lowersections of the frame and the other end of the printed film wrappedaround the underside of a compressible spring attached to the bottom ofthe frame, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B depicts a top view of one face of an unfolded, printed film, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all thedifferent ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all thefeatures that may be added to the instant disclosure. For example,features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporatedinto other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to aparticular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Thus, thedisclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments of the disclosure, anyfeature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded oromitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the variousembodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from theinstant disclosure. In other instances, well-known structures,interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail in order not tounnecessarily obscure the invention. It is intended that no part of thisspecification be construed to effect a disavowal of any part of the fullscope of the invention. Hence, the following descriptions are intendedto illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not toexhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variationsthereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in thedescription of the disclosure herein is for the purpose of describingparticular aspects or embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the disclosure.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other referencescited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for theteachings relevant to the sentence and/or paragraph in which thereference is presented. References to techniques employed herein areintended to refer to the techniques as commonly understood in the art,including variations on those techniques or substitutions of equivalenttechniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/827,375 (“the '375 application”)discloses an apparatus that measures the sub-epidermal capacitance usinga bipolar sensor, where the sub-epidermal capacitance corresponds to themoisture content of the target region of skin of a patient. The '375application also discloses an array of these bipolar sensors of varioussizes.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/134,110 discloses an apparatus formeasuring sub-epidermal moisture (SEM), where the device emits andreceives an RF signal at a frequency of 32 kHz through a single coaxialsensor and generates a bioimpedance signal, then converts abiocapacitance signal to a SEM value.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/942,649 discloses a compactperfusion scanner and method of characterizing tissue heath statusincorporating optical sensors to monitor tissue blood perfusionmeasurements and oximetry.

U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/827,375, 15/134,110, and 13/942,649are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, it is specifically intended thatthe various features of the disclosure described herein can be used inany combination. Moreover, the present disclosure also contemplates thatin some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination offeatures set forth herein can be excluded or omitted.

The methods disclosed herein include and comprise one or more steps oractions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/oractions may be interchanged with one another without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific orderof steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment,the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modifiedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in the description of the disclosure and the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include theplural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possiblecombinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well asthe lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

The terms “about” and “approximately” as used herein when referring to ameasurable value such as a length, a frequency, or a SEM value and thelike, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%,or even ±0.1% of the specified amount.

As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about Xand Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrasessuch as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y” andphrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

As used herein, the term “sub-epidermal moisture” or “SEM” refers to theincrease in tissue fluid and local edema caused by vascular leakinessand other changes that modify the underlying structure of the damagedtissue in the presence of continued pressure on tissue, apoptosis,necrosis, and the inflammatory process.

As used herein, the term “biocapacitance” refers to the physicalproperty that reflects the relative dielectric permittivity of thetissue, i.e. how much resistance to electrical fields is encountered intissues.

As used herein, a “patient” may be a human or animal subject.

As used herein, the term “parallel” describes configurations wherebest-fit lines or planes of two objects have an approximately constantseparation over a distance meaningful to the application. In certainembodiments, these best-fit lines or planes may have an included angleof ±1 degree, ±5 degrees, or ±10 degrees.

As used herein, the term “planar” describes configurations where theactual surface of an object varies from a best-fit ideal plane by adistance that is not significant in the function of the object. Incertain embodiments, the distance between the actual surface and theideal plane may be 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), 1.27 mm (0.050 inches), or2.54 mm (0.100 inches).

As used herein, the term “diameter” refers to the length of a straightline segment that passes through the center of a circle and whoseendpoints lie on the circle. The diameter is equal to twice the radiusof the circle.

As used herein, the term “toroid” refers to a circular surface ofrevolution with a hole or an opening in its center. As used herein, theterm “concentric” refers to two or more objects having the same centeror axis.

As used herein, the term “printed film” refers to a segment of apolymeric film upon which conductive elements have been printed.

As used herein, the term “pogo pin” refers to a spring-loaded electricalconnector mechanism.

FIG. 1A depicts a medical scanner 2, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In an aspect, medical scanner 2 is an SEM scanner. In anaspect, medical scanner 2 is an SEM scanner that measuresbiocapacitance. In an aspect, the nose of the device, indicated by thedashed line circle ‘A,’ is pressed against the skin of a patient to makean SEM measurement. In an aspect, the nose of the device, indicated bythe dashed line circle ‘A,’ is pressed against the skin of a patient tomake a biocapacitance measurement.

FIG. 1B depicts a connector 10 comprising a reusable component 150,which is part of the medical scanner of FIG. 1A in the region ‘A,’ and adetachable element 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. In anaspect, detachable element 100 comprises a body 102 and a sensor formedfrom a center electrode 102 a and a toroidal electrode 102 b, wherecenter electrode 102 a and toroidal electrode 102 b are concentric withrespect to one another. Center electrode 102 a has an outer-facingsurface (visible in FIG. 1B) and an inner-facing surface (not visible inFIG. 1B). Similarly, toroidal electrode 102 b has an outer-facingsurface (visible in FIG. 1B) and an inner-facing surface (not visible inFIG. 1B).

In an aspect, detachable element 100 comprises a sensor formed from aplurality of electrodes such as up to two electrodes, up to threeelectrodes, up to four electrodes, up to five electrodes, up to sixelectrodes, up to seven electrodes, up to eight electrodes, up to nineelectrodes, up to ten electrodes, up to eleven electrodes, or up totwelve electrodes. In an aspect, detachable element 100 comprises aplurality of sensors formed from a plurality of electrodes, where eachsensor is formed from up to twelve electrodes, such as up to twoelectrodes, up to three electrodes, up to four electrodes, up to fiveelectrodes, up to six electrodes, up to seven electrodes, up to eightelectrodes, up to nine electrodes, up to ten electrodes, or up to elevenelectrodes. In an aspect, a sensor is formed from an annular ringdisposed around an inner circular electrode. In an aspect, a sensor isformed from two parallel bar electrodes. In an aspect, a sensor isformed from electrodes in the form of interdigitating fingers. In anaspect, detachable element 100 comprises a body 102 and a plurality ofsensors selected from the group consisting of a plurality ofbioimpedance sensors, a plurality of pressure sensors, a plurality oflight sensors, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of pHsensors, a plurality of perspiration sensors, a plurality of ultrasonicsensors, a plurality of bone growth stimulator sensors, and a pluralityof a combination of these sensors. In an aspect, detachable element 100comprises a body 102 and a plurality of light sensors. In an aspect,detachable element 100 further comprises one or more light emittingsources comprising dual emitters configured for emitting 660 nm and 880nm light. In an aspect, reusable component 150 comprises an alignmentguide 158, the function of which is described in greater detail withreference to FIG. 5. In this example, detachable element 100 is mated toa reusable component by a linear movement, as indicated by the dashedline. In an aspect, the mating motion comprises a rotation perpendicularto the dashed line or twists about the dashed line. In an aspect,detachable element 100 comprises an insulating cover layer on top of itselectrodes, forming a barrier between the electrodes and the patient'sskin while measurements are being taken.

In an aspect, a sensor formed from an annular ring disposed around aninner circular electrode as depicted in FIG. 12. In an aspect, an innercircular electrode is defined by a diameter D1. In an aspect, D1 isabout 4.318 mm (0.17 inches). In an aspect, the annular ring is definedby an inner diameter D2 and an outer diameter D3. In an aspect, D2 isabout 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In an aspect, D3 is about 12.7 mm (0.5inches). In an aspect, D3 is greater than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches), such asabout 20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In an aspect, the gap between an innercircular electrode and an outer annular ring is about 2.921 mm (0.115inches). In an aspect, the gap between an inner circular electrode andan outer annular ring is defined by the formula (D2−D1)/2.

In an aspect, a ground plane is provided. In an aspect, a sensor isseparated from a ground plane by a distance D4. In an aspect, D4 isabout 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, a ground plane has adiameter D5. In an aspect, D5 is equal to D3. In an aspect, D5 isgreater than D3. In an aspect, D5 is about 28.575 mm (1.125 inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 2.54 mm (0.1inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 2.794mm (0.11 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais 3.048 mm (0.12 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is 3.302 mm (0.13 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is 3.556 mm (0.14 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is 3.81 mm (0.15 inches). In anaspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 4.064 mm (0.16inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 4.318mm (0.17 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais 4.572 mm (0.18 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is 4.826 mm (0.19 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is 5.588 mm (0.22 inches). In anaspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 6.096 mm (0.24inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 6.604mm (0.26 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais 7.112 mm (0.28 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is 7.62 mm (0.3 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is 8.89 mm (0.35 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In anaspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 11.43 mm (0.45inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is 12.7 mm(0.5 inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 2.54 mm(0.1 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is atleast 2.794 mm (0.11 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is at least 3.048 mm (0.12 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 3.302 mm (0.13 inches).In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 3.556mm (0.14 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais at least 3.81 mm (0.15 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is at least 4.064 mm (0.16 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 4.318 mm (0.17 inches).In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 4.572mm (0.18 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais at least 4.826 mm (0.19 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is at least 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 5.588 mm (0.22 inches).In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 6.096mm (0.24 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 ais at least 6.604 mm (0.26 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is at least 7.112 mm (0.28 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 7.62 mm (0.3 inches). Inan aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 8.89 mm(0.35 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a isat least 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of centerelectrode 102 a is at least 11.43 mm (0.45 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is at least 12.7 mm (0.5 inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between 2.54 mmand 3.81 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.15 inches). In an aspect, thediameter of center electrode 102 a is between 3.81 mm and 5.08 mm(between 0.15 inches and 0.2 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is between 5.08 mm and 6.35 mm (between 0.2inches and 0.25 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode102 a is between 6.35 mm and 7.62 mm (between 0.25 inches and 0.3inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between7.62 mm and 8.89 mm (between 0.3 inches and 0.35 inches). In an aspect,the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between 8.89 mm and 10.16 mm(between 0.35 inches and 0.4 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is between 2.54 mm and 5.08 mm (between 0.1inches and 0.2 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode102 a is between 2.54 mm and 7.62 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.3inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between2.54 mm and 10.16 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches). In an aspect,the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between 2.54 mm and 12.7 mm(between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is between 5.08 mm and 7.62 mm (between 0.2inches and 0.3 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode102 a is between 7.62 mm and 10.16 mm (between 0.3 inches and 0.4inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between10.16 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches). In an aspect,the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between 2.54 mm and 7.62 mm(between 0.1 inches and 0.3 inches). In an aspect, the diameter ofcenter electrode 102 a is between 5.08 mm and 10.16 mm (between 0.2inches and 0.4 inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode102 a is between 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.3 inches and 0.5inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102 a is between2.54 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches).

In an aspect, an annular or toroidal electrode has an inner diameter andan outer diameter. In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 2.54 mm (0.1 inches). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 7.62 mm (0.3inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 15.26 mm (0.6 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 17.78 mm (0.7inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 22.86 mm (0.9 inches). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 25.4 mm (1.0 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 30.48 mm (1.2inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is35.56 mm (1.4 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 40.64 mm (1.6 inches). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 45.72 mm (1.8 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 50.8 mm (2.0inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is63.5 mm (2.5 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 76.2 mm (3.0 inches).

In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least2.54 mm (0.1 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is at least 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In an aspect, theinner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 7.62 mm (0.3inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b isat least 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is at least 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). In an aspect,the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 15.26 mm (0.6inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b isat least 17.78 mm (0.7 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is at least 20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 22.86mm (0.9 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode102 b is at least 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). In an aspect, the inner diameterof toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 30.48 mm (1.2 inches). In anaspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 35.56mm (1.4 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode102 b is at least 40.64 mm (1.6 inches). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 45.72 mm (1.8 inches).In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least50.8 mm (2.0 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is at least 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). In an aspect, theinner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 76.2 mm (3.0inches).

In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between2.54 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches). In an aspect,the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and25.4 mm (between 0.1 inches and 1 inch). In an aspect, the innerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and 50.8 mm(between 0.1 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and 76.2 mm (between 0.1inches and 3.0 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is between 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm (between 0.5 inches and1.0 inch). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 bis between 12.7 mm and 38.1 mm (between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches). Inan aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between25.4 mm and 38.1 mm (between 1.0 inch and 1.5 inches). In an aspect, theinner diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 38.1 mm and 50.8mm (between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, the inner diameterof toroidal electrode 102 b is between 50.8 mm and 76.2 mm (between 2.0inches and 3.0 inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 2.54 mm(0.1 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 7.62 mm (0.3 inches). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 12.7 mm (0.5inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is15.26 mm (0.6 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 17.78 mm (0.7 inches). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 22.86 mm (0.9inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is25.4 mm (1.0 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 30.48 mm (1.2 inches). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 35.56 mm (1.4 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 40.64 mm (1.6inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is45.72 mm (1.8 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is 50.8 mm (2.0 inches). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is 76.2 mm (3.0inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least2.54 mm (0.1 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is at least 5.08 mm (0.2 inches). In an aspect, theouter diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 7.62 mm (0.3inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b isat least 10.16 mm (0.4 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is at least 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). In an aspect,the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 15.26 mm (0.6inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b isat least 17.78 mm (0.7 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is at least 20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 22.86mm (0.9 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode102 b is at least 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). In an aspect, the outer diameterof toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 30.48 mm (1.2 inches). In anaspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 35.56mm (1.4 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode102 b is at least 40.64 mm (1.6 inches). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 45.72 mm (1.8 inches).In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least50.8 mm (2.0 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is at least 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). In an aspect, theouter diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is at least 76.2 mm (3.0inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between2.54 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches). In an aspect,the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and25.4 mm (between 0.1 inches and 1 inch). In an aspect, the outerdiameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and 50.8 mm(between 0.1 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter oftoroidal electrode 102 b is between 2.54 mm and 76.2 mm (between 0.1inches and 3.0 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidalelectrode 102 b is between 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm (between 0.5 inches and1.0 inch). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 bis between 12.7 mm and 38.1 mm (between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches). Inan aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between25.4 mm and 38.1 mm (between 1.0 inch and 1.5 inches). In an aspect, theouter diameter of toroidal electrode 102 b is between 38.1 mm and 50.8mm (between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, the outer diameterof toroidal electrode 102 b is between 50.8 mm and 76.2 mm (between 2.0inches and 3.0 inches).

In an aspect, D4 is 0.254 mm (0.01 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.2794mm (0.011 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.3048 mm (0.012 inches). In anaspect, D4 is 0.3302 mm (0.013 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.3556 mm(0.014 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.381 mm (0.015 inches). In anaspect, D4 is 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.4318 mm(0.017 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.4572 mm (0.018 inches). In anaspect, D4 is 0.4826 mm (0.019 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.508 mm(0.02 inches). In an aspect, D4 is 0.635 mm (0.025 inches). In anaspect, D4 is 0.762 mm (0.03 inches).

In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.254 mm (0.01 inches). In an aspect, D4 isat least 0.2794 mm (0.011 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.3048mm (0.012 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.3302 mm (0.013inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.3556 mm (0.014 inches). In anaspect, D4 is at least 0.381 mm (0.015 inches). In an aspect, D4 is atleast 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.4318 mm(0.017 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.4572 mm (0.018 inches).In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.4826 mm (0.019 inches). In an aspect, D4is at least 0.508 mm (0.02 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.635mm (0.025 inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least 0.762 mm (0.03 inches).

In an aspect, D4 is between 0.254 mm and 0.508 mm (between 0.01 inchesand 0.02 inches). In an aspect, D4 is between 0.254 mm and 0.762 mm(between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches). In an aspect, D4 is between 0.381mm and 0.508 mm (between 0.015 inches and 0.02 inches). In an aspect, D4is between 0.381 mm and 0.762 mm (between 0.015 inches and 0.03 inches).In an aspect, D4 is between 0.508 mm and 0.762 mm (between 0.02 inchesand 0.03 inches).

In an aspect, D5 is between 2.54 mm and 12.7 mm (between 0.1 inches and0.5 inches). In an aspect, D5 is between 2.54 mm and 25.4 mm (between0.1 inches and 1 inch). In an aspect, D5 is between 2.54 mm and 50.8 mm(between 0.1 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, D5 is between 2.54 mmand 76.2 mm (between 0.1 inches and 3.0 inches). In an aspect, D5 isbetween 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm (between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch). In anaspect, D5 is between 12.7 mm and 38.1 mm (between 0.5 inches and 1.5inches). In an aspect, D5 is between 25.4 mm and 38.1 mm (between 1.0inch and 1.5 inches). In an aspect, D5 is between 38.1 mm and 50.8 mm(between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches). In an aspect, D5 is between 50.8 mmand 76.2 mm (between 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of detachable element 100of FIG. 1B, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect,detachable element 100 comprises a body 102 having, in this example,four wings 104 separated by gaps 106 and alignment feature 108. In anaspect, body 102 comprises up to twenty wings, such as up to five wings,up to six wings, up to seven wings, up to eight wings, up to nine wings,up to ten wings, up to eleven wings, up to twelve wings, up to thirteenwings, up to fourteen wings, up to fifteen wings, up to sixteen wings,up to seventeen wings, up to eighteen wings, or up to nineteen wings. Inan aspect, alignment feature 108 is configured to mate with thealignment guide 158 of reusable component 150 (e.g. shown in FIG. 3). Inan aspect, gaps 106 cannot mate with alignment guide 158, for example,because gaps 106 are narrower than alignment feature 108.

In an aspect, contactors 124 are attached to a printed circuit board(PCB) 120 that is coupled to the body 102. In one aspect, a plurality ofcontactors are coupled to body 102, such as up to one hundredcontactors, up to ninety contactors, up to eighty contactors, up toseventy contactors, up to sixty contactors, up to fifty contactors, upto forty contactors, up to thirty contactors, up to twenty contactors,up to fifteen contactors, up to ten contactors, up to nine contactors,up to eight contactors, up to seven contactors, up to six contactors, upto five contactors, up to four contactors, or up to three contactors. Inthis example, each contactor 124 has two cantilever elements 126 thatare independently movable. In an aspect, each contactor 124 comprises upto ten cantilever elements, such as up to nine cantilever elements, upto eight cantilever elements, up to seven cantilever elements, up to sixcantilever elements, up to five cantilever elements, up to fourcantilever elements, or up to three cantilever elements. In an aspect,the inside surface of at least some of wings 104 have a retentionfeature 110 that, in this example, extends out from the inside surfaceof the wing 104. In an aspect, each of wings 104 has a retention feature110. In an aspect, retention feature 110 is a recess. In an aspect, eachcontactor 124 provides an electrical connection between an electrode ofbody 102 and PCB 120.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top surface of reusable component150, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, thereusable component 150 comprises a body 152 to which is coupled to a PCBhaving a top surface 162. In an aspect, a plurality of planar contactsurfaces are coupled to surface 162, such as up to 100 planar contactsurfaces, up to 90 planar contact surfaces, up to 80 planar contactsurfaces, up to 70 planar contact surfaces, up to 60 planar contactsurfaces, up to 50 planar contact surfaces, up to 40 planar contactsurfaces, up to 30 planar contact surfaces, up to 20 planar contactsurfaces, up to 10 planar contact surfaces, up to 9 planar contactsurfaces, up to 8 planar contact surfaces, up to 7 planar contactsurfaces, up to 6 planar contact surfaces, up to 5 planar contactsurfaces, up to 4 planar contact surfaces, or up to 3 planar contactsurfaces.

In an aspect, three planar contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c arecoupled to surface 162. In an aspect, contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, 160c are formed as copper layers on the surface 162 and are generallycoplanar (within a few thousands of an inch) with the surface 162.Contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, 160 c are conductive and, in an aspect,connected to circuits that are electrically isolated from each other. Inan aspect, contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, 160 c comprise a surfacecoating of a noble metal, for example, gold, that may be mixed withother materials to improve physical properties, for example, abrasionresistance.

In an aspect, contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, 160 c are each planar andlie on a common plane that is parallel to the retention groove.

In an aspect, a contactor 124 comprises conductive material. In anaspect, a contactor 124 comprises a conductive compressible foam. In anaspect, a contactor 124 is conductively attached to PCB 120 and isconfigured to compress against any one of three planar contact surfaces160 a, 160 b, and 160 c when detachable element 100 (e.g. shown in FIG.2) is installed on reusable component 150. In an aspect, a contactor 124is configured to compress against any one of three planar contactsurfaces 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c when detachable element 100 (e.g. shownin FIG. 2) is installed on reusable component 150.

In an aspect, a contactor 124 comprises a non-conductive material. In anaspect, a contactor 124 comprises a non-conductive compressible foam. Inan aspect, a contactor 124 comprises a non-conductive spring element anda separate conductive element, where the conductive element isconductively attached to PCB 120 on one end and to a free end of thenon-conductive spring element. In an aspect, a conductive elementexposed on a free end of a non-conductive spring element is held againstany one of three planar contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c by thenon-conductive spring element when detachable element 100 (e.g. shown inFIG. 2) is installed on reusable component 150. In an aspect, aconductive element is a conductive wire.

In an aspect, a cantilever element 126 comprises a conductive material.In an aspect, a cantilever element 126 comprises a conductivecompressible foam. In an aspect, a cantilever element 126 comprise ametallic coil spring.

In an aspect, a cantilever element 126 comprises a non-conductivematerial. In an aspect, a cantilever element 126 comprises anon-conductive compressible foam.

In an aspect, a contactor 124 comprises a compressible pogo pin, wherethe pogo pin is of suitable height in its compressed state toconductively join PCB 120 to planar contact surfaces 160 a, 160 b, and160 c when detachable element 100 (e.g. shown in FIG. 2) is installed onreusable component 150.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the reusable component 150, in accordance withthe present disclosure. In an aspect, reusable component 150 comprises aretention groove 154 and alignment guide 158. In an aspect, theretention groove 154 extends around only a portion of a circumference ofreusable component 150. Likewise, in an aspect, retention feature 110(e.g. shown in FIG. 2) extends around only a portion of a circumferenceof detachable element 100 (e.g. shown in FIG. 2). In an aspect,retention groove 154 is partially configured as a flush or protrudingelement. In an aspect, retention groove 154 may have any geometryselected to interact with one or more of retention feature 110 (e.g.shown in FIG. 2), each having a complementary geometry, so as to retaindetachable element 100 (e.g. shown in FIG. 2) on the reusable component150 under determined loads.

FIG. 5 is a side view of detachable element 100 mated with reusablecomponent 150, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect,alignment feature 108 is mated with alignment guide 158.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the side view of FIG. 5, in accordance withthe present disclosure. Retention feature 110 is engaged with retentiongroove 154. In an aspect, contactor 124 is coupled to the undersidesurface 122 of the PCB 120. In an aspect, free length of contactor 124is greater than the separation distance between underside surface 122and top surface 162 of PCB 164.

FIG. 7A is another perspective view of the underside of the detachableelement 100 of FIG. 1B, in accordance with the present disclosure. Anenlarged view of region ‘B’ is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 7B is a partially exploded view of the detachable element 100 ofFIG. 7A, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, body102 has a center hole 190 with several retention pockets 180 aroundperimeter 192. In an aspect, each retention pocket 180 has a stakingpost 182 and a reference surface 184.

In an aspect, PCB 120 has an underside surface 122 with an outer edge122 a. In an aspect, outer edge 122 a is circular. In an aspect, outeredge 122 a may be of any shape. In an aspect, the contactors 124 haveflanges 128 that extend beyond the outer edge 122 a. In an aspect, eachflange 128 has a center hole 128 a and a top surface 128 b. In anaspect, when PCB 120 is brought into contact with body 102, center holes128 a will fit over posts 182 as indicated by the dashed-line arrows andtop surfaces 128 b will contact reference surfaces 184.

In an aspect, the arrangement of PCB 120 fits closely into hole 190,where flanges 128 extending beyond the edge of outer edge 122 a, and thereference surfaces adjacent to hole 190 allow PCB 120 to be insertedinto hole 190 from below. In an aspect, by selection of an appropriateoffset distance from reference surface 184 to top surface 153 (notvisible in FIG. 7B, shown in FIG. 3) of body 102, surface 162 (notvisible in FIG. 7B, shown in FIG. 3) of PCB 120 can be held coplanarwith top surface 153 or at a determined offset above or below topsurface 153. In an aspect, the distance from reference surface 184 totop surface 153 may be equal to, greater than, or less than thethickness of PCB 120. In an aspect, one or more of the flanges 128 maybe functionally replaced with other elements that are not integral withcontactors 124, for example, a formed sheet metal tab, that is coupledto PCB 120 and extends beyond outer edge 122 a.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-section of the region marked ‘B’ in FIG. 7A,in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, top surface 128b is shown in contact with reference surface 184 and post 182 passingthrough center hole 128 a.

In FIG. 8, cantilever element 126 is formed by base segment 126 e thatis coupled, for example, by soldering, to PCB 120, a cantilever elementcomprising a first linear segment 126 a, an angled coupler 126 b, asecond linear segment 126 c, and a curved contact segment 126 d. In anaspect, when detachable element 100 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1B) isbrought together with reusable component 150, as indicated in FIG. 1B,curved contact segment 126 d will contact planar contact surface 160 a(e.g. as shown in FIG. 3). In an aspect, as the free height of contactor124 is greater than the final gap between surfaces 122 and 166, as seenin FIG. 6, contactor 124 must compress as detachable element 100 (e.g.as shown in FIG. 1B) is seated onto reusable component 150 (e.g. asshown in FIG. 1B). In an aspect, as this compression occurs, firstlinear segment 126 a, angled coupler 126 b, and second linear segment126 c of the cantilever element will elastically deform and the includedangle 127 between segments 126 a and 126 c will decrease. In an aspect,for example, when first linear segment 126 a is shorter than secondlinear segment 126 c, the point of contact between curved contactsegment 126 d and planar contact surface 160 a (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3)will move in an arc having both vertical and horizontal movement, in thereference frame of FIG. 8. In an aspect, the horizontal motion creates adesirable sliding contact between curved contact segment 126 d andplanar contact surface 160 a (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3), which improvesthe quality and reliability of the electrical contact between contactsegment 126 d and planar contact surface 160 a.

In an aspect, contactor 124 may be formed as any compliant element thataccomplishes the same function of providing an electrical connectionbetween an element of PCB 120 and a conductive element of reusablecomponent 150 (e.g. shown in FIG. 3), for example, a planar contactsurface 160 a (e.g. shown in FIG. 3), when compressed between surfaces122 and 162 (e.g. shown in FIG. 3). In an aspect, contactor 124 may beany compliant element having a conductive portion, for example, a pogopin, a coil spring, a conductive foam pad, or a directionally conductiveadhesive.

In an aspect, detachable element 100 and reusable component 150 (e.g.shown in FIG. 1B) may be configured such that the act of matingdetachable element 100 and reusable component 150 (e.g. shown in FIG.1B) induces a twisting or sliding motion that induces a scrubbingcontact of contactor 124 and planar contact surface 160 a (e.g. shown inFIG. 3).

FIG. 9 is a second cross-section showing the configuration of the region13′ after a heat-staking operation has been complete, in accordance withthe present disclosure. In an aspect, post 182 (e.g. shown in FIG. 7B)has been reshaped, for example, by heat staking, to form a cap 132 awith an enlarged diameter that overlaps flange 128, thereby retainingunderside surface 122 of PCB 120 to body 102. In an aspect, PCB 120 maybe retained to body 102 by mechanical attachment, for example, afastener (not shown in FIG. 9), or by clamping, for example, byinsertion of a retention fitting (not shown in FIG. 9), by bonding, forexample, UV-cured cyanoacrylate (not shown in FIG. 9), or by anyattachment method known to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an assembly 200 comprising a body 102, aPCB 120, and a retainer 230. In an aspect, body 102 is a portion of ahousing of a device. In an aspect, assembly 200 is a disposableattachment to a device.

Body 102 comprises an opening 213 that, in this example, is a circularthrough-hole penetrating from a first surface 212 to a second surface211. In an aspect, opening 213 is a notch or other open shape and mayhave an arbitrary shape defined by a perimeter 214. In this example,there is a lip or surface 216 recessed from a second surface 211. Inthis example, surface 216 is separated from a first surface 212 by adistance that is equal to the thickness of PCB 120. In an aspect, theseparation of surfaces 212 and 216 is dependent upon the configurationof retainer 230. Surface 216 may have a diameter defined by a perimeter218. In an aspect, surface 216 is coincident with second surface 211. Inone aspect, surface 216 is comprised of multiple separate surfaces (notshown in FIG. 10) adjacent to opening 213, wherein multiple separatesurfaces may be coplanar or may be displaced from each other.

In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of 0.127 mm (0.005 inches). In anaspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of 0.254 mm (0.01 inches). In an aspect,PCB 120 has a thickness of 0.3048 mm (0.012 inches). In an aspect, PCB120 has a thickness of 0.3556 mm (0.014 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120has a thickness of 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 0.4572 mm (0.018 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 0.508 mm (0.02 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 0.635 mm (0.025 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 0.762 mm (0.03 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 1.016 mm (0.04 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of 1.27 mm (0.05 inches).

In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of at least 0.127 mm (0.005inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of at least 0.254 mm(0.01 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of at least 0.3048mm (0.012 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of at least0.3556 mm (0.014 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of atleast 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness ofat least 0.4572 mm (0.018 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thicknessof at least 0.508 mm (0.02 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of at least 0.635 mm (0.025 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 hasa thickness of at least 0.762 mm (0.03 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120has a thickness of at least 1.016 mm (0.04 inches). In an aspect, PCB120 has a thickness of at least 1.27 mm (0.05 inches).

In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.127 mm and 0.254 mm(between 0.005 inches and 0.01 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of between 0.127 mm and 0.381 mm (between 0.005 inches and0.015 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.127 mmand 0.508 mm (between 0.005 inches and 0.02 inches). In an aspect, PCB120 has a thickness of between 0.127 mm and 0.635 mm (between 0.005inches and 0.025 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness ofbetween 0.127 mm and 0.762 mm (between 0.005 inches and 0.03 inches). Inan aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.127 mm and 1.016 mm(between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of between 0.127 mm and 1.27 mm (between 0.005 inches and 0.05inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.254 mm and0.381 mm (between 0.01 inches and 0.015 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120has a thickness of between 0.254 mm and 0.508 mm (between 0.01 inchesand 0.02 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.254mm and 0.635 mm (between 0.01 inches and 0.025 inches). In an aspect,PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.254 mm and 0.762 mm (between 0.01inches and 0.03 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness ofbetween 0.254 mm and 1.016 mm (between 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches). Inan aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.254 mm and 1.27 mm(between 0.01 inches and 0.05 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of between 0.381 mm and 0.508 mm (between 0.015 inches and0.02 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.381 mmand 0.635 mm (between 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches). In an aspect, PCB120 has a thickness of between 0.381 mm and 1.27 mm (between 0.015inches and 0.05 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness ofbetween 0.508 mm and 0.762 mm (between 0.02 inches and 0.03 inches). Inan aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.508 mm and 1.27 mm(between 0.02 inches and 0.05 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has athickness of between 0.762 mm and 1.016 mm (between 0.03 inches and 0.04inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 has a thickness of between 0.762 mm and1.27 mm (between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches). In an aspect, PCB 120 hasa thickness of between 1.016 mm and 1.27 mm (between 0.04 inches and0.05 inches).

PCB 120 is, in this example, a flat substrate of a nonconductivematerial, for example FR4, that is typical of printed circuit boardfabrication processes. In an aspect, PCB 120 is a sensor. In one aspect,a sensor is selected from the group consisting of a bioimpedance sensor,a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a perspirationsensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a bone growth stimulator sensor, and acombination thereof. PCB 120 has an underside surface 122 and an uppersurface 224 that is parallel to the underside surface 122 and separatedfrom the underside surface 122 by a thickness. PCB 120 has a perimeter226 that, in this example, is circular and matches surface 216 of body102. In an aspect, the shape of perimeter 226 is arbitrary. In anaspect, the shape of perimeter 226 is oval-shaped. In an aspect, theshape of perimeter 226 is square-shaped.

Retainer 230 comprises a body 232 and a plurality of tabs 234 formedsuch that a portion of retainer 230 extends beyond the perimeter of PCB120 when retainer 230 is attached to PCB 120. Tabs 234 are positionedand shaped to contact surface 216 when the joined PCB-retainersubassembly is inserted into opening 213.

In an aspect, retainer 230 is strictly a mechanical positioning elementthat may be soldered to PCB 120 or attached via any other method,including adhesives and mechanical attachment such as a rivet or screw.In an aspect, a portion of retainer 230 is a conductive circuit element,such as a spring contactor 124 intended to make conductive contact withan external circuit element (not shown in FIG. 10) associated with body102. In an aspect, retainer 230 is an assembly comprising one or moreconductive elements and one or more non-conductive elements. In anaspect, retainer 230 is formed from metal. In one aspect, retainer 230is formed from a non-metal material such as a plastic.

FIG. 11A is a cross-section of body 102, PCB 120, and retainer 230 ofFIG. 10 aligned while separated from each other in an “exploded” view.In this example, body 102 comprises a retention feature 208, formed aspart of body 102, whose function is to be deformed, for example, bythermal forming or ultrasonic staking, so as to cover a portion ofretainer 230, in particular a portion of one or more of tabs 234.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section of body 102, the PCB 120, and retainer 230of FIG. 11A after they have been assembled into assembly 200. In thisexample, surface 216 is coincident with a second surface of body 102. Inthis example, retention feature 208 of FIG. 11A has been deformed, forexample, by thermal forming or ultrasonic staking, so as to cover aportion of retainer 230, in particular a portion of one or more of tabs234. In one aspect, other retention mechanisms, for example, theapplication of an adhesive or sealant over one or more of tabs 234 and aportion of body 102, is used to retain retainer-PCB subassembly in theframe.

FIG. 13A is an exploded view of an assembly 300 comprising a body 310having an upper section 310 a and a lower section 310 b joined by aflexible arm 310 c. Upper section 310 a comprises an opening 313 that,in this example, is a circular through-hole. Lower section 310 b isattached on its underside surface to a compressible spring element 320which allows for movement of both lower section 310 b and flexible arm310 c when downward pressure is applied. In an aspect, upper section 310a and lower section 310 b may be reversibly secured by way of a tab orother locking mechanism. In an aspect, assembly 300 is formed into a capas PCB 120 (e.g. shown in FIG. 2) that can be inserted into body 102.

Assembly 300 further comprises a printed film 330 having a tabbedsection 330 a and a non-tabbed section 330 b. A center electrode 350 aand an outer electrode 350 b (e.g. shown in FIG. 13B) have been printedon the upper face of tabbed section 330 a. In this example, tabbedsection 330 a is inserted between upper section 310 a and lower section310 b so that, upon full insertion, electrodes 350 a and 350 b (e.g.shown in FIG. 13B) are exposed on the upper surface of body 310 throughopening 313. The non-tabbed section 330 b is folded or bent so that theend of non-tabbed section 330 b is wrapped around, and may be attachedto, the underside surface of compressible spring element 320. In anaspect, body 310 having electrodes 350 a and 350 b (e.g. shown in FIG.13B) exposed through opening 313 is pressed against the skin of apatient to make an SEM measurement.

FIG. 13B is a top view of one side of printed film 330 prior to bendingor folding. In this example, non-tabbed section 330 b of printed film330 comprises three contact pads 340 a, 340 b, and 340 c. Centerelectrode 350 a is connected via a conductive trace 360 a to contact pad340 a. Similarly, outer electrode 350 b is connected via a conductivetrace 360 b to contact pad 340 b. When upper section of 310 a (e.g.shown in FIG. 13A) is pressed upon a patient's skin, measurements can betaken by electrodes 350 a and 350 b.

In an aspect, printed film 330 comprises a flexible plastic material. Ina related aspect, the flexible plastic material is selected from thegroup consisting of polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), polycarbonate (PC),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate (PAR), polyethersulfone(PES), fluorene polyester (FPE), polyimide (PI), and combinationsthereof. In another aspect, printed film 330 comprises a non-plasticflexible material.

In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of 0.5 mm (0.02 inches).In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of 0.4 mm (0.016 inches).In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of 0.3 mm (0.012 inches).In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of 0.25 mm (0.01 inches).In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of at least 0.2 mm (0.008inches). In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of at least 0.5mm (0.02 inches). In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness of atleast 0.4 mm (0.016 inches). In an aspect, printed film 330 has athickness of at least 0.3 mm (0.012 inches). In an aspect, printed film330 has a thickness of at least 0.25 mm (0.01 inches). In an aspect,printed film 330 has a thickness of at least at least 0.2 mm (0.008inches). In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness that is between0.4 and 0.5 mm (0.02 and 0.016 inches). In an aspect, printed film 330has a thickness that is between 0.3 and 0.4 mm (0.012 and 0.016 inches).In an aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness that is between 0.2 and0.3 mm (0.008 and 0.012 inches). In an aspect, printed film 330 has athickness that is between 0.25 and 0.35 mm (0.01 and 0.014 inches). Inan aspect, printed film 330 has a thickness that is between 0.2 and 0.5mm (0.008 and 0.02 inches).

In an aspect, printed film 330 is cut from a larger flexible sheet. Inan aspect, electrodes 350 a and 350 b, conductive traces 360 a and 360b, and contact pads 340 a, 340 b, and 340 c are printed onto one face ofa larger flexible sheet prior to cutting. In an aspect, more than oneprinted film 330 is cut from the same flexible sheet. In an aspect,conductive ink is used to print electrodes 350 a and 350 b, conductivetraces 360 a and 360 b, and contact pads 340 a, 340 b, and 340 c ontoone face of a flexible sheet prior to cutting. In an aspect, electrodes350 a and 350 b, conductive traces 360 a and 360 b, and contact pads 340a, 340 b, and 340 c are printed onto one face of a flexible sheet by a2D or 3D printing process known in the art that is suitable for themanufacture of printed electronics. In an aspect, each printed film 330is die-cut from a larger flexible sheet. In an aspect, electrodes 350 aand 350 b, conductive traces 360 a and 360 b, and contact pads 340 a,340 b, and 340 c are printed on a pre-cut piece of film.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present inventioncan be embodied in various ways, which include but are not limited tothe following:

Embodiment 1

A detachable element for use with a reusable component having aretention groove and an alignment guide and a planar contact surfaceparallel to the retention groove, the detachable element comprising: abody comprising a retention feature configured to engage the retentiongroove; and an electrical contactor coupled to the body, where thecontactor comprises a cantilever element that is configured to touch theplanar contact surface when the retention feature is engaged with theretention groove, where the cantilever element is configured to slidealong the contact surface as the detachable element is brought togetherwith the reusable component.

Embodiment 2

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the detachable element isbrought together with the reusable component along a path that isperpendicular to the planar contact surface.

Embodiment 3

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the retention featureextends around a portion of a circumference of the detachable element.

Embodiment 4

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the body comprises analignment feature that is configured to mate with the alignment guide ofthe reusable component, where the retention feature cannot engage theretention groove when the alignment feature is not mated with thealignment guide.

Embodiment 5

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the body further comprisesa sensor comprising two electrodes, where the sensor is in electricalconnection with the electrical contactor.

Embodiment 6

The detachable element of embodiment 5, where the body further comprisesan insulating cover layer disposed above the sensor.

Embodiment 7

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the body further comprisesa light sensor and a light emitting source, where the light sensor andlight emitting source are in electrical connection with the electricalcontactor.

Embodiment 8

The detachable element of embodiment 1, where the light emitting sourcecomprises dual emitters configured for emitting 660 nm and 880 nm light.

Embodiment 9

A connector comprising: a reusable component comprising a retentiongroove and an electrical contact surface that is parallel to theretention groove; and a detachable element comprising a body with aretention feature configured to engage the retention groove and anelectrical contactor coupled to the body, where the contactor comprisesa compliant element that is configured to touch the contact surface ofthe reusable element when the retention feature of the detachableelement is engaged with the retention groove of the reusable componentand to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element isbrought together with the reusable component.

Embodiment 10

The connector of embodiment 9, where the body of the reusable componentcomprises an alignment guide; the detachable element comprises analignment feature that is configured to mate with alignment guide whenthe retention feature of the detachable element is engaged with theretention groove of the reusable component; and the retention featurecannot engage the retention groove when the alignment feature is notmated with the alignment guide.

Embodiment 11

The connector of embodiment 9, where the compliant element comprises: abase segment coupled to the body, a first linear segment coupled to thebase segment, a second linear segment coupled to the first linearsegment, and a contact segment coupled to the second linear segment,where compression of the compliant element in a first direction inducesmotion of the contact segment in a second direction that isperpendicular to the first direction.

Embodiment 12

A detachable element, comprising: a body comprising a hole and aretention pocket, where the retention pocket comprises a referencesurface; and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising aprinted circuit board (PCB) having an outer edge and a contactor coupledto the PCB, where a portion of the contactor extends beyond the outeredge of the PCB, where the portion of the contactor that extends beyondthe outer edge of the PCB is in contact with the reference surface.

Embodiment 13

The detachable element of embodiment 12, where the body comprises a topsurface; the PCB comprises a thickness; and the reference surface isparallel to the top surface and offset from the top surface by adistance from the reference surface to the top surface, and the distanceis equal to the thickness of the PCB.

Embodiment 14

The detachable element of embodiment 12, where the PCB is a sensor.

Embodiment 15

The detachable element of embodiment 14, where the PCB is selected fromthe group consisting of a bioimpedance sensor, a photodetector, atemperature sensor, a pH sensor, a perspiration sensor, an ultrasonicsensor, a bone growth stimulator sensor, and a combination thereof.

Embodiment 16

The detachable element of embodiment 12, where the PCB is inserted intothe retention pocket and held in place by a retainer comprising aplurality of tabs.

Embodiment 17

The detachable element of embodiment 16, where the retainer is amechanical positioning element.

Embodiment 18

The detachable element of embodiment 16, where the retainer is aconductive circuit element.

Embodiment 19

The detachable element of embodiment 16, where the retainer comprisesone or more conductive elements and one or more non-conductive elements.

Embodiment 20

The detachable element of embodiment 16, where the retainer comprises adeformable retention feature configured to cover a portion of one ormore tabs of the retainer.

Embodiment 21

The detachable element of embodiment 5, where the two electrodes consistof one central electrode and one toroidal electrode, wherein the centralelectrode and toroidal electrode have a concentric orientation.

Embodiment 22

The detachable element of embodiment 21, where the central electrode hasa diameter of about 4.318 mm (0.17 inches).

Embodiment 23

The detachable element of embodiment 21, where the toroidal electrodehas an inner diameter of about 10.16 mm (0.4 inches) and an outerdiameter of about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches).

Embodiment 24

The detachable element of embodiment 21, further comprising a groundplane, where the distance between the two electrodes and the groundplane is about 0.4064 mm (0.016 inches).

Embodiment 25

The detachable element of embodiment 21, where the two electrodes areseparated by a gap of about 2.921 mm (0.0115 inches).

Embodiment 26

The detachable element of embodiment 24, wherein the ground plane has adiameter of about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches).

Embodiment 27

A detachable element, comprising: a body comprising an upper section anda lower section joined by a flexible arm, where the upper sectioncomprises an opening and the lower section is attached on its undersideto a compressible spring; and a printed film having tabbed andnon-tabbed areas and first and second faces, where the tabbed areacomprises a sensor comprising two electrodes on its first face, andwhere the tabbed area is inserted between the upper and lower sectionsso that the sensor is visually aligned with the opening.

Embodiment 28

The detachable element of embodiment 27, where the non-tabbed areacomprises at least two contact pads on its first face.

Embodiment 29

The detachable element of embodiment 28, where each of the at least twocontact pads is conductively linked to either of the two electrodes.

Embodiment 30

The detachable element of embodiment 28, where some of the at least twocontact pads are conductively linked to either of the two electrodes.

Embodiment 31

The detachable element of embodiment 27, where the second face of thenon-tabbed area is wrapped around the compressible spring.

Embodiment 32

The detachable element of embodiment 27, where the second face of thenon-tabbed area is attached to the compressible spring.

Embodiment 33

The detachable element of embodiment 27, where the upper and lowersections are releasably secured to the printed film.

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to a particular situation ormaterial to the teachings of the invention without departing from thescope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention notbe limited to the particular embodiments disclosed but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope andspirit of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A detachable element comprising: a body comprising a holeand a retention pocket, wherein the retention pocket comprises areference surface; and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an outer edge and acontactor coupled to the PCB, wherein a portion of the contactor extendsbeyond the outer edge of the PCB, wherein the portion of the contactorthat extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB is in contact with thereference surface.
 2. The detachable element of claim 1, wherein: thebody comprises a top surface; the PCB comprises a thickness; and thereference surface is parallel to the top surface and offset from the topsurface by a distance from the reference surface to the top surface, andthe distance is equal to the thickness of the PCB.
 3. The detachableelement of claim 1, wherein the PCB is a sensor.
 4. The detachableelement of claim 1, wherein the PCB is inserted into the retentionpocket and held in place by a retainer comprising a plurality of tabs.5. The detachable element of claim 4, wherein the retainer is amechanical positioning element.
 6. The detachable element of claim 4,wherein the retainer is a conductive circuit element.
 7. The detachableelement of claim 4, wherein the retainer comprises one or moreconductive elements and one or more non-conductive elements.
 8. Thedetachable element of claim 4, wherein the retainer comprises adeformable retention feature configured to cover a portion of one ormore tabs of the retainer.
 9. A detachable element comprising: a bodycomprising an upper section and a lower section joined by a flexiblearm, wherein the upper section comprises an opening and the lowersection is attached on its underside to a compressible spring; and aprinted film comprising tabbed and non-tabbed areas and first and secondfaces, wherein the tabbed area comprises a sensor comprising twoelectrodes on its first face, and the tabbed area is inserted betweenthe upper and lower sections so that the sensor is visually aligned withthe opening.
 10. The detachable element of claim 9, wherein thenon-tabbed area comprises at least two contact pads on its first face.11. The detachable element of claim 9, wherein the second face of thenon-tabbed area is wrapped around the compressible spring.
 12. Thedetachable element of claim 9, wherein the second face of the non-tabbedarea is in contact with the compressible spring.
 13. The detachableelement of claim 9, wherein the upper and lower sections are releasablysecured to the printed film.